Random Thoughts: tournament edition

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

This week’s installment of Random Thoughts centers around heart-stopping games, a first, good timing, Elida and keeping track.

Heart stoppers

First it was Van Wert winning a 56-55 buzzer-beating thriller against St. Marys Memorial on Thursday. Not to be outdone, Crestview rallied from 14-down in the third quarter to top Ottoville 63-61 in double overtime on Friday, then on Saturday, a late trey gave Wayne Trace a 50-49 upset win over Emmanuel Christian. I’d ask if there’s more games like that in store but I’m almost afraid to.

In all seriousness though, best of luck to the Cougars, Knights and Raiders this week.

First time?

Is it the first time that Crestview, Wayne Trace and Van Wert have all been at regionals at the same? It’s certainly the first time they’ve all played consecutive games at the Stroh Center.

Good timing

It sounds cliché but it’s very true – this is the time you want your team to play its best basketball and that’s certainly the case with Van Wert.

The Cougars turned in a nearly flawless performance against Defiance on Saturday. Mistakes were few and far between and Van Wert was able to take advantage of Bulldog mistakes and limit Defiance’s opportunities.

The third quarter might have been the most dominating quarter of the season. The Cougars outscored a potent Bulldog team 19-4. Defiance fans were surprised at halftime and downright stunned in the third quarter.

The excitement should continue Thursday night at Bowling Green.

Elida

There are a lot of fine basketball tournament managers in this area. Hosting tournament games is anything but easy. It’s a time consuming process and there are a lot of people involved to make it run smoothly.

I’d like to single out Dave Evans at Elida. Elida hosts a lot of girls and boys tournament games. Just last week, with Evans at the helm, the Elida Fieldhouse hosted a Division IV boys district doubleheader on Tuesday, a Division IV girls regional doubleheader on Wednesday, a Division III girls regional doubleheader on Thursday, the Division IV district championship game on Friday and Divisions IV and III girls championship games on Saturday. That’s nine games five days, plus plenty of behind the scenes hours.

It’s a great venue for tournament games, and a tip of the cap goes to Evans for all of his hard work.

Girls state tournament

If you’re keeping track, 15 of the 16 teams competing in this week’s OHSAA state girls basketball tournament are public high schools.

In addition, just one of the Associated Press poll champions will play this week – Tri-Village. The other three lost before the state tournament.

As always, if you have thoughts on any of the above subjects, feel free to email me at sports@thevwindependent.com.